Immunoassay of IGF family of peptides, their binding proteins and related molecules in dried whole blood filter paper spots

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to screening or testing for insulin like growth factors, insulin like growth factor binding proteins and/or acid labile subunit by the use of a solid support. Blood is collected onto a solid support, such as paper, and subsequently the analytes of interest are extracted for testing.

This application is a continuation of prior application Ser. No.08/763,244, filed Dec. 10, 1996 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,066,454, entitledImmunoassay of IGF Family of Peptides, their Binding Protiens andRelated Molecules in Dried Whole Blood Filter Paper Spots.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to screening or testing for insulin likegrowth factors and their binding proteins and related molecules(“IGF/IGFBPs”). More specifically the present invention relates to amethod for screening IGF/IGFBPs from whole blood spotted on a solidsupport. Additionally, the present invention relates to a test kit forscreening or testing IGF/IGFBPs on the solid support.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) belong to a family of peptides thatshare a high degree of structural homology with insulin. IGFs (IGF-I andIGF-II) have important mitogenic and anabolic actions that are mediatedby their binding to specific high affinity cell surface receptors (JonesJ I, et al. Endocrin Rev 1995; 16:3-34). IGF-I and IGF-II are producedin multiple tissues and are present in blood and other biological fluidsin association with specific high affinity IGF binding proteins(IGFBPs). Six structurally homologous IGFBPs with distinct molecularsize, hormonal control, and tissue expression have been identified(Holly J M P, et al. Growth Regul 1994,4(suppl I):20-30). Although theprecise biological significant of the IGFBPs have not been clearlydefined, they appear to play important roles in a complex system whichmodulates the bioavalability and functions of the IGFs. In addition, theability of the IGFBPs to directly bind to cell surface receptors andtrigger IGF-independent cellular functions have been recently reported(Cohen, P, et al. Curr Opin Pediatr 1994;6:462-7). As used herein, theterm “IGF/IGFBPs” refers to the IGFs, to IGFBPs and to acid labilesubunit (ALS).

It is now well established that IGF-I is the major mediator of thein-vivo growth-promoting actions of growth hormone (GH) (Daughaday W H,et al. Endocrin Rev 1989 68-91). The IGFs circulate mostly (>85%) boundto an approximately 150 kD ternary protein complex consisting ofIGFBP-3, the major serum IGFBP, and a unique, leucine-rich, acid-labilesubunit (ALS). Smaller proportions of circulating IGFs are associatedwith other IGFBPs and less than 1% of serum IGF-I has been estimated toexist in an unbound or “free” form (Rosenfeld R G, et al Recent ProgHorm Res 1990; 46:99-163).

The clinical assessment of growth hormone status has been controversial,primarily due to the episodic nature of GH secretion, its relativelyshort circulating half-life and considerable variability in GHmeasurement by different assay methods (Lee P D K, et al. Pediatr Res1990:27:45-51: Rosenfeld R G et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab1995;80:1532-40). Currently, clinical evaluation of GH sufficiencyinvariably involves multiple venous blood sampling for the determinationof pituitary GH secretion in response to a number of physiological orpharmacological stimuli. Because of the reporter limitations ofprovocative GH testing which include arbitrary definition of diagnosticcut-off levels, and potential health risk and cost, alternativescreening procedures have been sought. As blood IGF-I and IGFBP-3 (aswell as ALS) levels are highly dependent on GH secretion, determinationof their serum levels, individually or in combination, have beenrecently recognized as the most effective means in the evaluation ofchildhood GH deficiency (Rosenfeld R G, et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab1995;80:1532-40). Unlike growth hormone, the circulating levels of IGF-Iand IGFBP-3 in the ternary molecular complex with ALS remain relativelyconstant, thus, allowing reliable determination of their concentrationsin a single random specimen. More recently, measurement of IGFBP-2/IGF-Iratios have been reported to further enhance the diagnostic utility ofIGF-I and IGFBP-3 measurement (Smith W J, et al J Clin Endocrinol Metab1993;77:1294-99).

In children blood sampling by way of venipuncture has been problematic.Alternative procedure involves collection of blood by the less invasiveand more convenient capillary puncture from the heel, finger or earlobe.Capillary blood dried on filter paper is a well established approach andhas been successfully used in a number of large scale infant andpopulation screening programs (Dussault Jh, et al. J Pediatr1974;86:670-4; Augier D. et al. J Genet Hum 1985;33:325-36; Chanteau S,et al. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 1989:83:414-6).

The procedure allows collection of a relatively small volume of bloodand has been regulated (Blood collection on filter paper for neonatalprograms - 2d ed.; Approved Standard NCCLS publications LA4-A2.Villanova, Pa., 1992) to confer all the advantages of a reliable andsafe specimen transportation system at a significantly low cost. Thelatter considerations may assume greater importance for applicationsrequiring sample transportation to distant central laboratories and whentransportation of liquid specimens may not be feasible and/or practical.The use of blood spots to enhance the stability of somatomedin isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,277,249 (Broughton).

We have recently described development of highly specific and simplenon-competitive ELISA for reliable determination of IGF-I (Khosravi M J,et al. Clin Chem 1996;42:1147-54), IGF-II (Diamandi A, et al. TheEndocrine Soc 77th Ann Meeting 1995: P2-328), IGFBP-3 (Khosravi J, etal. Clin Chem 1996;S6:234), IGFBP-I (Khosravi, J, et al. Clin Chem1996;S6 171) and ALS in serum and other physiological fluids. The highaffinity antibodies incorporated in these immunoassays have beenselected for lack of cross-reactivity or interference by the closelyrelated peptides or binding protein. However, because of the conservednature of the IGF/IGFBPs, the immunoassays developed for humanapplications may be also useful for the analyte determination in otherspecies. This may be of particular interest in veterinary medicine andlivestock management where determination and monitoring of the IGFs andtheir binding proteins could have significant diagnostic or predictivevalues.

We here describe the first report on application of whole bloodcollected on filter paper in the analysis of the IGF/IGFBPs of human andveterinary interest. We demonstrate by example that blood dried onfilter paper is ideal for the analysis of the IGF/IGFBPs as theseanalytes express high degree of stability in dried format and can bereadily released from the solid-support by treatment with an appropriateelution reagent. Due to a naturally high concentrations of theseanalytes, their analysis in serum typically require a 50- to 100-foldsample pre-dilution. This requirement is advantageous as similardilution factors could be incorporated in dried blood spot extractionprocedures, thus, allowing employment of the current serum assays forthe analysis of the extracted blood samples.

These and other advantages of the present invention will become apparentfrom the following detailed description.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a method of determining concentrations ofan insulin-like growth factor or acid labile subunit in an individualcomprising the steps of collecting blood having an unknown concentrationof insulin-like growth factor or acid labile subunit from a subject;applying said blood onto a solid support; extracting blood from saidsolid support with a pre-extraction buffer to form a blood extract;contacting said blood extract with an acidification buffer, followed bya neutralization buffer to form a neutralized extract; and testing saidneutralized extract for the concentration of insulin-like growth factoror acid labile subunit. The insulin-like growth factor may be IGF-I orIGF-II. The blood may be collected by capillary puncture. The capillarypuncture may be finger prick, thumb prick or ear lobe prick.

Also provided in the present invention is a method of determiningconcentrations of an insulin-like growth factor binding protein or acidlabile subunit comprising the steps of collecting blood having anunknown concentration of insulin-like growth factor binding protein froma subject; applying said blood onto a solid support; extracting bloodfrom said solid support with a buffer extract to form a blood extract;and testing said blood extract for the concentration of insulin-likegrowth factor binding protein or acid labile subunit. The insulin-likegrowth factor binding protein may be IGFBP-−1, −2, −3, −4, −5 or −6.

Also provided herein is a kit for measuring insulin-like growth factor,acid labile subunit, and/or insulin-like growth factor binding protein.

These and other advantages of the present invention will become apparentthrough the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 A&B. Interassay assay correlation of IGFBP-3

Paired dried blood spots (n=40) were extracted in two separate runs (Run1 and run 2) by the direct acidification protocol (FIG. 1A) and theoptimized IGFBP-3 extraction protocol (FIG. 1B) and analyzed. For eachprotocol, values obtained in Run 1 and Run 2 were compared. Run1:y=0.19+0.89x(r=0.925); Run 2: y=0.33+0.79x(r=0.75).

FIGS. 2 A,B&C. Stability of IGF-I in dried blood filter paper spots

Replicate dried blood spots were stored at various temperature andanalyzed as indicated. Percent changes from the day 0 values are shownfor three different runs, FIGS. 2 A,B&C.

FIGS. 3 A,B&C. Stability of IGFBP-3 in dried blood filter paper spots

Replicate dried blood spots were stored at various temperature andanalyzed as indicated. Percent changes from the day 0 values are shownfor three different runs, FIGS. 3 A,B&C.

FIGS. 4 A&B. Comparison of IGF-I in plasma, whole blood and dried bloodextracts

Corresponding whole blood, plasma and dried blood extracts from freshblood samples (n=46) were analyzed for IGF-I. Correlation of values inplasma fraction vs those measured in whole blood (FIG. 4A) and driedblood extract (FIG. 4B) are shown. FIG. 4A:y==20.77+0.75x(r=0.98); FIG.4B:y=−7.7+0.81x(r=0.98).

FIGS. 5 A&B. Comparison of IGFBP-3 in plasma whole blood and dried bloodextracts

Corresponding whole blood, plasma and dried blood extracts from freshblood samples (n=46) were analyzed for IGFPB-3. Correlation of values inplasma fraction vs those measured in whole blood (FIG. 5A) and driedblood extract (FIG. 5B) are shown. FIG. 5A:y=0.26+0.51x(r=0.93); FIG.5B: y=0.25+1.03x (r=0.944).

FIG. 6. Comparison of IGF-II in plasma and dried blood extracts

Paired plasma and dried blood extracts from fresh blood samples (n=46)were analyzed for IGF-II. Correlation of values in plasma fraction vsthose measured in dried blood extract are shown. y=118.79+0.69x(r=0.90).

FIG. 7. Comparison of IGFBP-2 in plasma and dried blood extracts

Paired plasma and dried blood extracts from fresh blood samples (n=40)were analyzed for IGFBP-3. Correlation of values in plasma fraction vsthose measured in dried blood extract are shown. y=3.4+0.95x(r=0.936).

FIG. 8. Comparison of IGFBP-1 in plasma and dried blood extracts

Paired plasma and dried blood extracts from fresh blood samples (n=40)were analyzed for IGFBP-1. Correlation of values in plasma fraction vsthose measured in dried blood extract are shown. y=3.84+0.73x(r=0.948).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to the teachings of the present invention, whole bloodcollected from an individual is spotted onto a suitable solid support.The whole blood is collected via techniques known to those skilled inthe art including, but not limited to, finger prick, thumb prick, hellprick, ear lobe prick or any other form of capillary puncture by which ablood specimen may be obtained. In an alternative embodiment, wholeblood may be obtained by venipuncture and spotted onto the solidsupport. Preferably, the blood specimen is collected via finger prick orthumb prick. Suitable devices for conducting capillary puncture include,but are not limited to, lancets and needles. Suitable lancets include,but are not limited to MONOLET® (Sherwood Medical, St. Louis, Mo., USA),TENDERFOOT® (Baxter, Miami, Fla., USA), MINILANCE®, AUTOLET®, UNILET®,and MICROLANCE® (Becton Dickinson, Franklin Lakes, N.J., USA). Theamount of whole blood required to be spotted onto the solid support isabout 50 μL to about 200 μL and preferably about 80 μL to about 100 μL.Accordingly, about 2 drops to about 4 drops may be spotted onto thesolid support in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

Any suitable form of solid support for collection may be used. Asuitable solid support is one on which blood can be spotted and driedand from which IGF/IGFBPs can later be extracted. Preferably the solidsupport is a paper medium, and more preferably it is filter paper suchas used in newborn screening programs and which are known to thoseskilled in the art. These include, but are not limited to Schleicher andScuell(“S&S”, Keene, N.H., U.S.A.) No. 903 filter papers. The S&S grade903 filter paper is relatively thick and very absorbent, and applieddrops of blood readily diffuse radially outward to form overlappingcircles. It is the recognized standard for collecting dried blood, andthe absorbency of each manufactured batch is kept within tight limits ascertified by quality control testing carried out by the Centers forDisease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Ga. (USA). This type of paperhas been widely used in neonatal thyroid/phenylketonuria dried bloodscreening programs. In one embodiment, the solid support comprises afirst area onto which blood is applied, and a second area forrecordation of information about the blood donor. The second area neednot have the absorbency of the first area, as blood will not be spottedonto the second area. Alternatively, the solid support comprises solelythe first area described above. In such cases, information recordal canbe conducted on a separate instrument.

After spotting, the blood is allowed to dry. Depending on ambientconditions, drying takes about one hour to about 3 hours, preferablyabout 2 hours. It is anticipated that the individual donor may beresponsible for collecting the whole blood specimen, recordinginformation about himself or herself or the test subject, and shippingor delivering the impregnated solid support to the diagnostic testinglaboratory. The blood may be obtained from human or animal species. Theanimal species may include but are not limited to pig, cow, calf, goats,lamb, sheep, horse, chicken or marine species. The site of the blooddrawn from animals could be those sites readily accessible and known tothose skilled in the art.

Analysis of IGF/IGFBPs from the blood-impregnated solid support isconducted by first extracting the IGF/IGFBPs from the dried blood on thesolid support. This may be accomplished by removing one or more sectionsfrom the blood-impregnated solid support. In an alternative embodiment,the entire blood-impregnated solid support may be subjected toextraction without removing one or more sections from said solidsupport. Those skilled in the art will know a suitable means ofcollecting such sections. Preferably, sections of about one (1) to aboutten (10) millimeters diameter, and more preferably about six (6) toabout (7) millimeters in diameter are removed from the blood-impregnatedsolid support. This may, for example, be conducted by using a singlehole paper punch. But any other means for removing sections, such asknives or scissors, may be used.

The sections so removed, or, alternatively, the entire blood-impregnatedsolid support, are placed in a suitable container with an extractionbuffer, and are incubated for a suitable time period in which the driedblood may be leached from the solid support and dissolved in the liquidphase. In the preferred embodiment, the extraction from the solidsupport of IGFs and ALS is conducted differently than the extraction ofIGFBPs. However, a common blood extraction method may be developed forthe IGFs/ALS and IGFBPs by those skilled in the art as brieflyexemplified in this application (Example 4). The extraction protocoldeveloped may or may not include an acidification-step, as dissociationof IGFs or ALS from IGFBPs may be accomplished by other means known tothose skilled in the art and may include dissociating agents such asvariety of ionic or non-ionic detergents, organic or inorganic reagents,chelators, various salts such as NaCl, KCl, MgCl₂, CaCl₂ and othe agentssuch as ATP and the like which may be capable of dissociatingprotein—protein complexes. The process may even include enzymaticdegradation of one member of the complex for the purpose of releasingthe binding partner of interest. Examples could include various specificor non-specific proteases known to those skilled in the art. Theseinclude, but are not limited to proteases such as trypsin, chymotrypsin,plasminogen, plasminogen activators and related molecules, and serineproteases such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA) used for the purposeof protein degradation.

For the IGFs and ALS, treatment with a suitable preextraction buffer ismost preferable. Such treatment may, for example, be conducted bycontacting the blood-impregnated solid support with a suitablepreextraction buffer. Suitable pre-extraction buffers include anyreagent or buffer solution as represented in Example 4. For example,reagents as simple as dH₂O or solutions containing variousconcentrations of a number of buffering species may be used. Theseinclude but are not limited to Tris, borates, acetates, carbonates,phosphates or other buffering species known to those skilled in the art.The solid support is preferably contacted with the preextraction bufferfor a period of about 30 minutes to about 2 hours, and most preferablyabout 1 hour, at which time the solid support may be removed from theextract. Following this, the extract is contacted with a suitableacidification buffer. Suitable acidification buffers include anyacidifying agents capable of reducing the sample pH to a level needed toefficiently dissociate the IGF/IGFBPs/ALS complexes. These include butare not limited to the commonly used buffering species such ashydrocholoric acid, acetic acid, citric acid, or glycine-HCI. These alsoinclude other agents, buffers or compounds known to those skilled in theart. The extract is preferably contacted with the acidification bufferfor a period of about 15 minutes to about 1 hour, and most preferablyabout 30 minutes. Following this, the extract is contacted with asuitable neutralization buffer. Suitable neutralization buffers includeany neutralising agent known to those skilled in the art. These includebut are not limited to buffers based on Tris, borates, acetates,carbonates and phosphates. These also include any other buffers or agentknown to those skilled in the art. The extract is preferably contactedwith the neutralization buffer for a period of about 15 minutes to about1 hour, and most preferably about 30 minutes. Those skilled in the artwill be able to ascertain a suitable volume of preextraction,acidification and neutralization buffers. Preferably they are about 0.1ml to about 1.0 ml, and most preferably about 0.2 ml.

For the IGFBPs, preextration is not needed. Instead, extraction ispreferably conducted with a suitable extraction buffer. Suitableextraction buffers may include any reagent or buffer solution asrepresented in Example 4. For example, simple reagents such as dH₂O orsolution containing various concentrations of a number of bufferingspecies may be used. These include but are not limited to Tris, borates,acetates, carbonates, and phosphates. These also include other speciesknown to those skilled in the art. For example, a buffer comprising 0.05mol/L sodium borate, pH 8.5, 9 g/L NaCl, 10 g/L bovine serum albumin,0.1 g/L thimerosal is particularly effective. The extraction isconducted by contacting the blood-impregnated solid support with theextraction buffer for a period of about 15 minutes to about 1 hour, andmost preferably about 30 minutes.

IGF/IGFBPs can be analyzed by any suitable sensitive assay technique.These include but are not limited to techniques such asimmunoradiometric assays, chemiluminescence immunoassays,electroluminescence techniques, fluoroimmunoassays, enzyme immunoassaysor bioluminescence immunoassays.

The methods and kits of the present invention can be used to measureIGF-I, IGF-II, IGFBP-1, IGFBP-2, IGFBP-3, IGFBP-4, IGFBP-5, IGFBP-6, ALSand other related molecules in both human and animal species. Thepresent invention is of particular interest in veterinary medicine or inthe livestock management industry, where determination and/or monitoringof the IGFs/IGFBPs/ALS may have significant diagnostic or predictivevalue for the selection and/or monitoring of the well being or thequality of the breeding stock. Samples may be collected from sites knownto those skilled in the art. For example, blood samples from cows, pigs,goats and sheep may be collected via venous draw from sites such as, butnot limited to, the jugular vein. Whole blood samples from rabbits maybe collected from the ear vein. Blood samples from rats may be collectedfrom heart puncture or tail clip. Whole blood samples from chickens maybe collected from heart puncture or wing vein. For guinea pigs, orbitalwhole blood samples may be collected. Whole blood samples from fish maybe collected from tail fins or gills. Other sites for collection ofblood from various animal species may be used.

The present invention may be particularly useful when collection andtransportation of liquid human or animal blood samples to distantlaboratories, specifically to reference laboratories in other countries,may be prohibitive because of safety issues, cost or both. Furthermore,the present invention would significantly simplify the specimen storagerequirements, especially when a large number of samples may be involvedsuch as in screening programs or in cases of continuous livestockbreeding monitoring and testing. In human applications, the method canbe specifically used to diagnose disorders such as growth hormonedeficiency in children and adults, acromegaly, as well as otheabnormalities related to changes in production or utilization of IGF-I,IGF-II, IGFBP-1, IGFBP-2, IGFBP-3, IGFBP-4, IGFBP-5, IGFBP-6, ALS,related molecules or their concentration rations. For example, there arecurrently examples of changes in the levels of IGFBP-1 in associationwith birthweight as well as changes in the circulating IGFBP-1 profilein conditions such as pregnancy, in patients with Laron's syndrome andinsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Thus, measurement of IGFBP-1 forexample may be useful in evaluating and monitoring fetal growth anddevelopment, pregnancy and in abnormal conditions associated withpregnancy.

The following examples serve to illustrate specific embodiments of theinvention, but should not be considered as a limitation on the scope ofthe invention.

Example 1

Whole blood collected by venipuncture in the presence of anticoagulants,primarily EDTA, were obtained from clinical laboratories in Canada. Thesamples were residuals from routine clinical test samples and were froman adult population. Blood collection filter paper cards (#903) wereobtained from Schleicher and Schuell (S & S), Keen, N.H. The paper hasbeen manufactured according to the specifications set by the NationalCommittee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) for bloodcollection. All other chemical reagents were of highest quality and wereobtained from Sigma Chemical Co., St. Louis, Mo. or Amresco, Inc. Solon.Forty eight well cell culture plates were products of Costar, Cambridge,Mass.

Precollected blood samples were thoroughly mixed before application tofilter paper or use in liquid-phase whole blood sample analysis. Bloodspots were prepared by applying one drop of blood with a disposablepipet onto the designated circular area on the filter paper and allowedto air dry at room temperature overnight. The dried blood spots werestored in a plastic bag at room temperature unless otherwise indicated.

For collection of plasma, blood samples used for spotting were allowedto stand at room temperature for 2-4 h and samples of plasma werecarefully transferred to corresponding sample tubes. The plasma samplesnot assayed immediately were stored at −20° C. and used for thesestudies within 1-2 weeks after collection.

All analysis were performed using a single ¼ inch diameter dried bloodfilter paper spot disc with an impregnation whole blood volume ofapproximately 13 μL. The blood spot disc was punched out by a manualpaper puncher from an area that was completely impregnated with blood.The disc was placed into a well of a 48 well cell culture plate (totalwell volume 1.6 mL) and the blood was extracted into a liquid-phase forthe measurement of IGF/IGFBPs.

The concentration of IGF-I, IGF-II, IGFBP-2, IGFBP-3, and IGFBP-1 inplasma, filter paper extracts or whole blood were measured byimmunoassay kits manufactured and marketed by the Diagnostic SystemsLaboratories (DSL, Webster, Tex.). All the assays except for IGFBP-2were based on non-competitive ELISA principles involving a solid-phasecapture antibody and a soluble horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-labeleddetection antibody. All assays were performed according to themanufactures's instructions. The procedure for analyte determination inwhole blood or plasma was exactly as described for serum using the samesample volume. A brief description of the assays is as follows:

The DSL Direct IGF-I and IGF-II ELISA kits are performed in a two-stepformat, involving anti-IGF-I or anti-IGF-II antibody coated microwellsand a pairing anti-IGF-I or anti-IGF-II detection antibody labeled withHRP. The IGFs' direct ELISAs incorporates a sample pre-treatment step todissociate the IGFs from their binding proteins. This involvesincubation of 20 μL of serum samples with 1.0 mL of the IGFAcidification Buffer, followed by 30 min room temperature incubation andaddition of 1.0 mL of the Neutralization Buffer which raises the pH toslightly alkaline and blocks reassociate of IGFs with IGFBPs. The finalsample preparation dilution factor is 101-fold and 20 μL is used forIGF-I or IGF-II analysis. The IGF-I kit has a total incubation time of<3 h, a standard range of 0.1 to 6 ug/L (10-606 ug/L after correctionfor the sample pre-treatment dilution factor) and an overall precisionof <10%. The IGF-II kit has a total incubation time of <3 h, a standardrange of 0.5 to 15 ug/L (51-1515 after correction for the samplepre-treatment dilution factor) and an overall precision of <10%.

The DSL IGFBP-3 ELISA kit is a dual-epitope, two-step immunoassay,performed in anti-IGFBP-3 coated microwells. The assay requires a100-fold serum sample pre-dilution with the zero standard to bring theIGFBP-3 levels within the measuring range of the assay. The IGFPB-3ELISA used a sample volume of 25 μL, a total incubation time of ˜3 h, astandard range of 2 to 100 ug/L, and an overall precision of <10%.

The DSL IGFBP-2 is based on the radioimmunoassay (RIA) principle,involving ¹²⁵I-labeled IGFBP-2 tracer and limited amount of a highlyspecific anti-IGFBP-2 antibody. The assay requires a 50-fold serumsample pre-dilution with the zero standard to bring the IGFBP-2 levelswithin the measuring range of the assay. The IGFBP-2 RIA uses a samplevolume of 200 μL, a total incubation time of ˜24 h, a standard range of2.5 to 100 ug/L, and an overall precision of <10%. Radioactivity wasmeasured by the LKB 1275 MINIGAMMA COUNTER®, Pharmacia LKB BiotechnologyAB, Uppsala, Sweden.

The DSL Total IGFBP-1 ELISA kit is a dual-epitope, two-step immunoassay,performed in anti-IGFBP-1 coated microwells. The assay measures totalIGFBP-I levels, in a 25 μL sample volume in <2 h total incubation time.The assay has a dynamic range of up to 160 μg of IGFBP-1/L and anoverall precision of <10%.

Optical density measurements for all ELISAs were performed with theLabsystems MULTISKEN MULTISOFT®, microplate reader (Labsystems, HelsinkiFinland).

Example 2 Extraction of IGF-I

Determination of IGFs require their dissociation from IGFBPs. Proceduresfor direct measurement of IGFs by sample acidification to a pH of about2.0 to dissociate the complexes followed by neutralization to slightlyalkaline pH prior to analysis have been developed by DSL. Thus, theoptimized IGF-I extraction protocol combined a pre-extraction step withsample acidification and neutralization steps using the correspondingreagents developed for direct analysis of the IGFs by DSL. Two hundredμL of the IGF pre-extraction buffer (see below) was added to each wellcontaining a single unknown or control dried blood disc and incubateshaken at room temperature for 1 h to allow complete elution of IGF fromthe filter paper. To the extract was then added 200 μL of anacidification buffer, containing 0.4 M glycine-HCl, pH 2.0 incubated asabove for 30 min, and neutralized by adding 400 μL of a neutralizaitonbuffer, containing 0.85 M Tris and 0.1% sodium dodecylsulfate. Theextract was mixed for 2 min and used for IGF-I analysis. The extractscould be used for the measurement of IGF-II and ALS as these analytesalso require dissociation from IGFBPs prior to analysis.

Example 3 Extraction of IGFBP-3

For the optimized IGFBP-3 extraction, 0.5 mL of the IGFBP-3 extractionbuffer (see below) was added to each well containing a single unknown orcontrol dried blood disc. IGFBP-3 was eluted by incubating the wellsshaken for 1 h at room temperature. The extract was used for IGFBP-3determination as well as determination of IGFBP-2 which is similarlyreleased into the surrounding media. The same extraction procedure wasused for elution of IGFBP-1 from dried blood filter paper spots, exceptthat discs were extracted with 0.25 mL of the IGFBP-3 extraction buffer.

Example 4 Optimization of the Extraction Procedures

Extraction efficiency of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 was investigated using anumber of extraction media and extraction time (30-120 min). Theextraction media used were as follows: (1), deionized water (dH₂O); (2),IGF-I pre-extraction buffer (0.005 mol/L Tris, pH 7.0, 0.5 mL/LTween-20); (3), IGFBP-3 extraction buffer (0.05 mol/L sodium borate, pH8.5, 9 g/L NaCl, 10 g/L bovine serum albumin (BSA), 0.1 g/L thimerosal);(4) 0.05 mol/L sodium phosphate, pH 7.4, 0.9 g/L NaCl, 10 g/L BSA, 1mL/L Tween-20, 0.1 g/L thimerosal.

To explore the possibility of using a common extraction procedure andreagents for IGF-I and IGFBP-3, dried blood spot discs were alsodirectly extracted by the addition of 0.5 mL of the IGF acidificationbuffer/well followed by 1 h incubation as above and addition of 0.5 mLof the IGF neutralization buffer and mixing. The performance of thedirect acidification protocol for IGFand IGFBP-3 analysis was thenevaluated.

Both IGF-I and IGFBP-3 were almost completely released within 30 min ofincubation (Table 1), and all extraction buffers including dH₂O appearedequally effective (Table 2).

TABLE 1 Kinetics of IGF-I (ug/L) and IGFBP-3 (mg/L) Extraction fromDried Filter Paper Blood Spot IGF-I Extraction Time (min) IGFBP-3Extraction Time (min) Sample 30 60 120 30 60 120 1 42 66 71 4.9 5.2 4.72 167 173 172 2.6 2.7 2.7 3 103 101 88 5.0 5.2 5.0 4 200 197 216 3.2 3.33.5 5 133 137 140 9.3 9.4 9.7 6 57 67 69 1.9 2.4 2.3 7 88 80 78 2.7 2.52.9 8 167 201 205 4.3 4.5 4.8

TABLE 2 Effect of Various Reagents on IGF-I (μg/L) and IGFBP-3 (mg(L)Extraction Efficiency IGF-I Extraction Media^(a) IGFBP-3 ExtractionMedia Sample 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 179 178 185 138 2.00 2.34 1.94 2.20 2 9767 72 85 1.94 2.20 2.23 2.12 3 138 123 129 136 0.81 1.05 0.83 0.83 4 9688 75 79 0.92 1.02 0.97 1.02 5 131 133 104 118 1.80 1.84 1.92 1.65

^(a)1-4 indicate extraction media: (1), deionized water (dH₂O); (2),IGF-I pre-extraction buffer (0.005 mol/L Tris, pH 7.0, 0.5 mL/LTween-20); (3), IGFBP-3 extraction buffer (0.05 mol/L sodium borate, pH8.5, 9 g/L NaCl, 10 g/L bovine serum albumin (BSA), 0.1 g/L thimerosal);(4) 0.05 mol/L sodium phosphate, pH 7.4, 0.9 g/L NaCL, 10 g/L BSA, 1mL/L Tween-20, 0.1 g/L thimerosal.

Although, the IGF acidification buffer could be used for the developmentof a common extraction method, the procedure appeared less promising.Compared to the optimized IGF-I and IGFBP-3 extraction methods, thedirect acid-extraction approach showed significant variation inextraction kinetics, as evaluated for IGF-I (Table 3), and inbetween-run reproducibility of IGFBP-3 dried blood extraction performedon two different occasions (FIG. 1).

TABLE 3 Effect of Direct Acidification on IGF-I (μg/L) Dried Blood SpotExtraction Kinetics IGF-I Extraction Time (min) Sample 30 60 120 1 267343 316 2 87 103 53 3 240 263 185 4 184 186 121 5 553 499 526 6 150 100107 7 157 125 150 8 194 114 129

The efficiency of the optimized extraction methods was evaluated bycomparing whole blood concentrations of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 with thoseobtained from extracts of the corresponding dried blood spots. For theseanalysis, 10 μL aliquot of 6 different freshly drawn blood samples werespotted, dried overnight, and the extracts of the entire 10 μL bloodspots were analyzed along with 10 μL of the appropriately processedoriginal whole blood samples. As shown in Table 4, the recover of IGF-Iand IGFBP-3 ranged from 87%-107%, and 91%-109%, with mean values of 97%and 101%, respectively.

TABLE 4 Recovery of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 from Dried Filter Paper Blood SpotIGF-I (ug/L) % IGFBP-3 (mg/L) Sample Blood Extract Recovery BloodExtract % Recovery 1 96 90 94 2.2 2.0 91 2 242 241 100 4.3 3.9 91 3 3333 100 2.0 2.2 110 4 123 134 92 3.4 3.4 100 5 301 280 107 4.4 4.8 109 6405 465 87 4.5 4.8 107

The extraction efficiency of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 was unaffected by changesin the volume of the extraction buffers. Replicate dried blood spots oftwo representative samples extracted with 0.15 to 0.6 mL of the IGF-Ipre-extraction buffer followed by addition of proportional volumes ofthe acidification and neutralization solutions, as described IGF-Iextraction, gave a mean recovery of 97±8.2% in comparison to the valueobtained by the usual IGF-I extraction protocol (Table 5). Similarly,the mean recovery of IGFBP-3 from dried blood extracted with 0.25 to 2.0mL of the extraction buffer was 107±6.1% in comparison to itsconcentration measured by the optimized IGFBP-3 extraction protocol(Table 6).

TABLE 5 Effect of Extraction Buffer Volume on IGF-I (ug/L) Dried BloodFilter Paper Assay Extraction volume Sample 1 Sample 2 (mL) Recovered %Recovery^(a) Recovered % Recovery^(a) 0.6 241 91 315 84 0.8^(b) 265 100 375^(b) 100 1.2 269 101 369 99 1.6 264 99 368 99 2.4 240 90 411 111^(a)Recovery calculated as % of value measured with optimized extractionprotocol ^(b)Values by the optimized extraction protocols

TABLE 6 Effect of Extraction Buffer Volume on IGFBP-3 (mg/L) Dried BloodFilter Paper Assay Extraction volume Sample 1 Sample 2 (mL) Recovered %Recovery^(a) Recovered % Recovery^(a) 0.25 4.5 105 3.5 100 0.5^(b) 4.3100 3.5^(b) 100 0.75 4.7 109 4.0 114 1.0 4.7 109 3.6 103 1.5 4.3 100 4.1117 2.0 4.8 112 3.9 111 ^(a)Recovery calculated as % of value measuredwith optimized extraction protocol

The combined reproducibility of dried blood sample extraction andanalysis for IGF-I and IGFBP-3 from three different samples are shown inTable 7. Intra-assay precision for IGF-I, which also includebetween-spot extraction variations, was evaluated by replicate analysis(n=12) of extracts obtained from 3-6 separate blood spots. Inter-assayprecision was established by duplicate analysis of 7 separate driedblood spot extracts assayed in 7 separate runs. For determination ofIGFBP-3 intra-assay precision, 12 separate spots were extracted and theextracts analyzed in duplicate (n=24). The IGFBP-3 inter-assay CVs werederived from duplicate analysis of 5 separate blood spot extracts in 5separate assays.

TABLE 7 Precision of Dried Filter Paper Blood IGF-I (ug/L) and IGFBP-3(mg/L) Assay IGF-I IGFBP-3 Intra-assay Intra-assay Sample Mean ± % CV nMean ± % CV n 1 126 ± 8.5 12 1.65 ± 8.7 24 2 320 ± 8.5 12 2.00 ± 8.0 243 526 ± 5.4 12 8.10 ± 8.0 24 1  99 ± 16.7 7 0.92 ± 11.7 5 2 229 ± 5.3 74.87 ± 4.7 5 3 420 ± 12.1 7 3.08 ± 6.2 5

IGF-I and IGFBP-3 demonstrated high stability in dry form. Replicatedried blood filter paper spots from three different specimen with wideconcentration range were prepared and stored at four differenttemperatures. The blood spots' IGF-I and IGFBP-3 were measured at 0,8,27and 40 days of storage. For both analytes, the recovery at roomtemperature, 4° C. and −20° C. were >80% of the zero day value at 40days of storage. The recovery of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 after 27 days ofstorage at 30° C. exceeded 80% and 67%, respectively (FIGS. 2 and 3).FIGS. 2 and 3 depict three replicate experiments each. In both FIGS.,the open squares represent storage at −20° C.; the triangles representstorage at 4° C.; the closed squares storage at room temperature; andthe open circles storage at 37° C.

As outlined above, the measurement of the plasma levels of IGFs,IGFBP-2, and IGFBP-3 require a 50- to 100-fold sample dilution to bringthem within the measuring range of the assays. To simplify thecalibration requirement of measuring these analytes in dried bloodfilter paper extract, we incorporated a similar dilution factor in theextraction procedures to permit employment of the current kits'calibrators. With this approach, the levels of the analyte measured inplasma and in the corresponding blood extract would be expected tocorrelate with a slope value representing their respective dilutionfactors. For example, in both IGF-I and IGFBP-3 ELISAs, plasma samplesare diluted by about 100-fold while, assuming a hematocrit of 50% and adisc blood volume of 13 μL, the fractional plasma volume of the spottedblood is diluted by approximately 123- and 77-fold for IGF-I andIGFBP-3, respectively, Therefore with use of the same liquid standards,the IGF-I levels measured in the dried blood extracts should be ideallyless than those measured in plasma (by ˜10-20%), while the IGFBP-3levels should be higher by about 10-20%. It is however, possible toadjust the extraction buffer volume (or the standards) to obtain closelycomparable values.

Example 5 Distribution of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 in whole blood

A freshly collected whole blood EDTA sample was aliquoted into severalfractions of equal volumes and centrifuged, except for one fractionrepresenting the originally drawn whole blood sample. The relativevolume of the plasma portion of the centrifuged fractions was thenchanged to create a set of whole blood samples with varying degree ofhematocrit. After mixing, the IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels in the plasma andthe resulting whole blood samples were measured and compared to theircorresponding hematocrit values (hematocrit ranged from 0.20 to 0.70).Briefly, the measured IGF-I or IGFBP-3 levels in each blood fraction wascompared to the plasma IGF-I or IGFBP-3 concentration and a whole-bloodto plasma IGF-I and IGFBP-3 concentration ratios were established. Theseratios were then compared to the fractional plasma volume of the wholeblood samples calculated as 1 minus the hematocrit value (1−hematocrit).Comparable results were taken to indicate presence of IGF-I and IGFBP-3within the plasma portion.

The whole blood fractions prepared as above with hematocrits rangingfrom 0 (plasma) to 0.70 were spotted onto filter paper, dried andextracted for IGF-I and IGFBP-3 analysis. The concentrations of IGF-Iand IGFBP-3 in the whole blood fractions and the spot extracts weremeasured. The percent change in the whole blood values from thatobtained for the original whole blood sample was calculated as recentlydescribed (Hoffman, BR, et al. Clin Chem 1996;42:536-44). Similarly, thepercent change in the extracted blood spots values from thecorresponding value of the original whole blood spot extract wascalculated. The differences in the effect of hematocrit on the analyteconcentrations measured in whole blood or extracts of whole blood werecompared.

Circulating molecules may be differentially distributed among wholeblood subfractions (plasma and red blood cell fractions) whose relativefractional volumes are subject to change, both within- andbetween-individuals. As these variables could significantly alter thevalidity of the whole blood measurements, we investigated distributionof the representative components of the IGF/IGFBPs IGF-I and IGFBP-3were measured in plasma and in a series of corresponding whole bloodfractions with hematocrit ranging from 0.20 to 0.70. As shown in Table8, the whole blood levels of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 varied by ˜3-4 fold as afunction of variations in hematocrit. However, the magnitude of changesin whole blood levels were inversely related to hematocrit, suggestingdistribution of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 in the plasma fraction. Furthermore,comparison of whole blood/plasma concentration rations for IGF-I andIGFBP-3 with the corresponding fractional plasma volume of each bloodsample (calculated as 1−Hematocrit showed closely comparablerelationship (Table 9).

TABLE 8 Hematocrit Effect on Measured IGF-I, and IGFBP-3 Whole Blood andExtracts Levels IGF-I (ug/L) IGFBP-3 (mg/L) Hematocrit WB^(a) Extract WBExtract 0.70 92 155 0.8 2.7 0.62 134 153 1.4 3.6 0.434 200 223 2.3 4.50.33 234 210 2.8 4.4 0.27 240 216 3.1 4.9 0.20 287 220 3.5 4.6 0(plasma)312 217 4.5 4.6 ^(a)WB = Whole blood

TABLE 9 Comparison of Whole Blood/Plasma Concentration Ratio withFractional Plasma Volume^(a) Whole Blood/Plasma Concentration Ratio1-Hematocrit IGF-I IGFBP-3 0.3 0.29 0.18 0.38 0.43 0.31 0.57 0.64 0.510.67 0.75 0.62 0.73 0.77 0.69 0.80 0.91 0.78 ^(a)Defined as 1-hematocrit

To quantify the effect of hematocrit, IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels weremeasured in the whole blood fractions described above and in theircorresponding dried blood extracts. In both series of samples, themeasured values were calculated as percent change from the correspondingvalue obtained for the originally drawn 0.33 hematocrit specimen. Asexpected for analytes present primarily in the plasma fraction,variation in hematocrit had a significant effect on IGF-I and IGFBP-3levels measured in whole blood (Table 10). The whole bloodconcentrations of these analytes changed by ll8-10% for every 0.05 unitchange in hematocrit. In contrast, the effect of variation in hematocriton the analyte concentrations measured in the dried blood filter paperextracts were comparatively less pronounced. The IGF-I and IGFBP-3levels changed by ˜2-4% per 0.05 unit change in hematocrit. Only atabnormally high hematocrit (>0.6), the change in blood extractconcentrations relative to those measured in the corresponding 0.33hematocrit specimen were >10%.

Example 6 Analyte Determination in Plasma and Corresponding Whole Bloodand Dried Blood Extract

Fresh EDTA-whole blood samples (n=46) were spotted on filter paper,dried overnight, and extracted according to the protocols described forfilter paper extraction of IGF-I and IGFBP-3. The corresponding wholeblood and/or plasma fractions were also processed for IGF-I, IGF-II,IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-3 determination as described above and in theirrespective DSL ELISA or RIA protocols.

IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels measured in plasma fractions and in thecorresponding whole blood and dried blood filter paper extracts offreshly drawn samples (n=46) were compared. The plasma IGF-I and IGFBP-3levels ranged from 36-575 ug/L, 0.87-5.9 mg/L and 6.4-52 arbitraryunits/L, respectively. Regression analysis of data showed acceptablelinear relationship between plasma values and those measured in wholeblood and dried blood extracts (FIGS. 4-5). For these analytes, theblood spot values correlated well with the plasma levels (FIGS. 6-8).

TABLE 10 Hematocrit Effect on Measured IGF-I, and IGFBP-3 Concentrationsin Whole Blood and Dried Blood Extract Percent Change from CorrespondingOriginal Sample Value^(a) IGF-I (ug/L) IGFBP-3 (mg/L) Hematocrit WB^(b)Extract WB Extract 0.70 −60 −26 −72 −38 0.62 −43 −27 −49 −17 0.434 −15+6.1 −18 +2.2 0.33 0 0 0 0 0.27 +2.5 +2.8 +11 +14 0.20 +23 +4.8 +24 +6 0(plasma) +33 −7.3 +58 +4 ^(a)Value of the 0.33 hematocrit specimen^(b)WB = Whole blood

Example 7 Comparison of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 in Plasma and CorrespondingDried Blood in Various Species

This is a prophetic example. Whole blood samples from cows, pigs, goatsand sheep is collected via venous draw from the jugular vein. Wholeblood samples from rabbits are collected from the ear vein. Whole bloodsamples from rats are collected from heart puncture or tail clip. Wholeblood samples from chicken are collected from heart puncture or wingvein. For guinea pigs, orbital whole blood samples are collected. Wholeblood samples from the fish are collected from tail fins or gills. Thewhole blood samples from the above species are either directly spottedon blood collection filter paper cards obtained from Schleicher andSchuell or are first collected in tubes containing anticoagulants, suchas EDTA, and then applied to the blood collection filter paper cards. Aportion of the whole blood from each of the above samples is allowed tostand at room temperature for 2 hours, centrifuged and supernatantplasma collected in separate tubes.

The dried blood spots are extracted as described in Examples 1, 2, and3. The concentrations of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 are determined on the paired“blood spot” and “plasma” samples using the “analytical Procedure”described earlier. An excellent correlation is obtained between the“blood spot” and “plasma” samples, indicating the validity of the bloodspot measurement of these analytes.

Many other variations and modifications may be made in the methodsherein described, by those having experience in this art, withoutdeparting from the concept of the present invention. Accordingly, itshould be clearly understood that the methods described in the foregoingdescription are illustrative only, and not intended as a limitation onthe scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of determining a concentration of aninsulin-like growth factor (IGF) in a subject comprising the steps of:collecting blood from the subject; applying the blood onto a solidsupport and drying the blood; contacting the solid support and bloodwith a pre-extraction buffer for a time period less than 2 hours to forma blood extract; contacting the blood extract with an acidificationbuffer to dissociate the IGF from a native complex and form an acidifiedextract; contacting the acidified extract with a neutralization bufferto form a neutral extract; contacting the neutral extract with anantibody directed against IGF; and determining the concentration of IGFin the neutral extract.
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein saidblood collecting step is conducted by capillary or venous puncture. 3.The method according to claim 2, wherein said capillary or venouspuncture is selected from the group consisting of finger prick, thumbprick, or ear lobe prick.
 4. The method according to claim 1, whereinsaid solid support is a paper medium.
 5. The method according to claim4, wherein said paper medium is filter paper.
 6. The method according toclaim 1, wherein said IGF is selected from the group consisting of IGF-Iand IGF-II.
 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein said subject isselected from the group consisting of humans, pig, cow, calf, lamb,sheep, horse, chicken or marine species.
 8. The method according toclaim 1, wherein the step of determining the concentration of IGF isconducted using a technique selected from the group consisting ofimmunoradiometric assays, chemiluminescence immunoassays,electroluminescent techniques, fluorimmunoassays, enzyme immunoassays orbioluminescence immunoassays.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein saidpreextraction buffer consists essentially of an aqueous buffer, adetergent and optionally bovine serum albumin and optionally a salt. 10.The method of claim 9, wherein the aqueous buffer is selected from thegroup consisting of H₂O, Tris borates, acetates, carbonates andphosphates, wherein the detergent is selected from the group consistingof TWEEN 20™ (sorbitan mono-9octadecenoate poly(oxy-1,1-ethanedlyl)) andsodium dodecyl sulfate, and wherein the salt is selected from the groupconsisting of NaCl, KCl, MgCl₂, and CaCl₂.
 11. The method of claim 10,wherein the aqueous buffer has a pH of between about pH 7 and aboutpH8.5.
 12. The method according to claim 10, wherein said extractionstep is performed for about 30 minutes to 2 hours.
 13. The methodaccording to claim 10, wherein said extraction step is performed forabout one hour.
 14. The method according to claim 9, wherein saidextraction step is performed for about 30 minutes to 2 hours.
 15. Themethod according to claim 9, wherein said pre-extraction buffer isselected from the group consisting of dH₂O, Tris, borate, acetate,carbonate and phosphate buffers.
 16. The method according to claim 15,wherein said extraction step is performed for about 30 minutes to 2hours.
 17. The method according to claim 15, wherein said extractionstep is performed for about one hour.
 18. The method according to claim9, wherein said extraction step is performed for about one hour.
 19. Themethod according to claim 1, wherein the acidification buffer isselected from the group consisting of hydrochloric acid, acetic acid,citric acid and glycine-HCL.
 20. The method according to claim 1,wherein the neutralization buffer is selected from the group consistingof Tris, borates, acetates, carbonates, and phosphates.
 21. A method ofdetermining a concentration of an insulin-like growth factor (IGF) in asubject comprising the steps of: collecting blood from the subject;applying the blood onto a solid support and drying the blood; contactingthe solid support and blood with a pre-extraction buffer form 30 to 120minutes to form a blood extract. contacting the blood extract with anacidification buffer to dissociate the IGF from a native complex andform an acidified extract; contacting the acidified extract with aneutralization buffer to form a neutral extract; contacting the neutralextract with an antibody directed against IGF; and determining theconcentration of IGF in the neutral extract.
 22. A method of determininga concentration of an insulin-like growth factor (IGF) in a subjectcomprising the steps of: collecting blood from the subject; applying theblood onto a solid support and drying the blood; contacting the solidsupport and blood with a pre-extraction buffer from 30 to 120 minutes toform a blood extract; contacting the blood extract with an acidificationbuffer from 15 to 60 minutes to dissociate the IGF from a native complexand form an acidified extract; contacting the acidified extract with aneutralization buffer from 15 to 60 minutes to form a neutral extract;contacting the neutral extract with an antibody directed against IGF;and determining the concentration of IGF in the neutral extract.
 23. Amethod of determining a concentration of an insulin-like growth factor(IGF) in a subject comprising the steps of: collecting blood from thesubject; applying the blood onto a solid support and drying the blood;contacting the solid support and blood with a pre-extraction buffer toform a blood extract; contacting the blood extract with an acidificationbuffer to dissociate the IGF from a native complex and form an acidifiedextract; contacting the acidified extract with a neutralizaiton bufferto form a neutral extract; thereafter; contacting the neutral extractwith an antibody directed against IGF; and determining the concentrationof IGF in the neutral extract.